H.E. PROF. GUIDO DE MARCO IS PRESENTED WITH A MESSAGE FROM H.E. VLADIMIR PUTIN, PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

The President of Malta, H.E. Prof. Guido de Marco, this morning received H.E. Mr. Sergey Zotov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation at the Palace, Valletta. Ambassador Zotov presented President de Marco with a message from H.E. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

Ambassador Zotov in handing to President de Marco, President Putin's message underlined the good relations between the two countries which this year will be celebrating the 35^th Anniversary of diplomatic relations. Ambassador Zotov also paid tribute to the high regard with which the President of Malta is held in international fora.

In reply to Ambassador Zotov, H.E. President de Marco, said that President Putin's message manifests both the relations existing between Malta and the Russian Federation as well as their communality of concerns on issues effecting international relations. Prof. de Marco said that terrorism is clouding the international situation. We have all to reject terrorism as an instrument of policy. Prof. de Marco added that through the emergence of a multi-polar society a balanced approach to world peace can be achieved.

In this context President de Marco referred to the situation in the Mediterranean believing that this has to be put on the front burner of the international political agenda. In particular President de Marco referred to the Middle East situation and said that unless this issue is properly addressed, it can be the cause of greater problems than those that we have had so far.

"We are all against terrorism. Terrorism cannot be excused on any count. But we have also to speak out against occupation." In this context, Prof. de Marco, referred to his address to the Diplomatic Corp on the 11^th January 2002, where he underlined the duty of the international community of being responsible for the implimentation and observance of Security Council resolutions 242 and 338.

"I think this is a must if we want to ensure a better future, not only for the peoples of the Middle East but also beyond," said President de Marco.

Our countries are different in size and relevance. The Russian Federation is a key player in international fora. Malta, in particular, in the Mediterranean region can contribute to a climate of stability and security and be a relevant interlocutor to peace in the region.